Sunday 28 December 2014

The Interview: threats, hackers, margaritas and a huge laugh


I watched The Interview this week and I have to tell you it was one of the best comedies I saw this year. As you might have heard, this movie caused quite a stir due to its polemic content. This is a comedy starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, a celebrity interviewer and his producer for the tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight".

At some point, they discover that the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of their show and consequently they have the opportunity to interview him. When they are traveling to Pyongyang they are contacted by the CIA and convinced to "take him out"... Not to dinner and not on a date, if you know what I mean... 


This is a controversial movie, for obvious reasons and it was the target of some serious backlash from the North Korean government. According to the a Time's article the North Korean government has promised a “merciless” retaliation against the United States if The Interview was released, calling the film an “act of war.

After the government threats, there were the hackers. According to The Guardian Sony Pictures has cancelled the Christmas release of the film at the centre of a hacking scandal after terrorist threats to cinemagoers and a decision by major movie theatre groups to cancel screenings in the US. The movie is now available online and on selected theaters.


I know that all of us have different opinions on what is good or bad humor, acceptable or unacceptable, and it's unquestionable that this movie is  risky, but it is so ridiculously funny that you have to look at it not as an affront to a country but as a stupid, yet interesting, way to stop taking ourselves so seriously. I would be the first one to laugh at our politics in Portugal if something like The Interview was done about them, I can guarantee.

Seth and James are close to perfect, I already thought they were two funny guys, but now I like them even more for being able to go ahead with such a risky movie. Finishing with my favourite movie quote: "They hate us, cuz' they ain't us!" *insert Katy Perry plastic bag song*
Honestly, thanks for the laugh, I recommend!



Your TopCrusher,
Daniela

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